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Snap Shackle or QR spreader bar

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Mr Jo Macdonald
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Postby Mr Jo Macdonald » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:26 pm

re: "To Jo
why did you stop using a snap shakle?
what prolimit spreader bar do you use now?
the one which opens on the left side? Or the one which has a releasable hook?
andreas"


This is the bar I use
http://www.pro-limit.nl/2002/displayite ... tem_id=235

I got it after Dwight really recomended it for safety reasons. I stopped
using a snap shackle because when I got lofted I didn't have time to
release my snap shackle, so I rethought my whole safety strategy and decided that I didn't
like the idea of being even slightly permanently linked to a traction kite.
The thing with shackles is that you connect yourself to the kite before
launching right (you can aferwards, but how many of us do?) so from the moment the
kite leaves the ground to the moment it is in a safe position again (on the ground) you are
fixed to something that could very easily turn into a death trap if it gets
hit by a strong freak gust (which is what happened to me, I was standing in
the water launching and was ok but it got me thinking). Nearly all the bad
accidents happen on land, that's where all (or most) of the nasty hard stuff is right.
Using a snap shackle makes you feel safe but you won't have time to release
it until shit is already happening and you are on your way up the creek without the proverbial paddle.
Now what I do is fully depower the kite with the trim (I lengthened it to
have more trim range) and launch, land or do any other move just holding the bar
with my hands, gets nasty, let go and let the leash do its job (leash tangles are obviously no longer a prob either). I only hook
in to pick up my board and get going when the kite is pointing out to sea.
The prolimit spreader bar works great, you have all the advantages of a
quick release system but you can also hook out at will, and I think it
constantly reminds you of what you're doing, connecting your ass to a big (and potentially bad) traction
kite.
Only snags I've found so far is that the depower loop can get caught on the
release handle while hooking in, and some folks have said the depower falls
out sometimes but you just hook back in again.
This is just my opinion and how I reckon I'm safe, a lot of kiters way hotter and wiser than I use shackles or normal bars, I think each of us is the only one ultimately responsible for his or her own safety so it is a very personal thing no? , but let's consider this: no one windsurfing, not even a pro
would try a new or potentially dangerous move while being hooked to the sail
unless they had too of course, and a windsurf sail is hundreds of times
safer than a traction kite, so why are we all doing it?
The bar cost me 40 euro (about the same in USD should be)
Stay safe + have fun.
Jo

jever98
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Postby jever98 » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:32 pm

I've never seen the releasable bar in action. How does it work?

Dwight
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Postby Dwight » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:35 pm

Only snags I've found so far is that the depower loop can get caught on the
release handle while hooking in,
I solved that problem, or at least reduced it a lot. I intalled a rope "ball stopper" on the end of the lever. It also makes the lever easier to press.

I'll take a picture and post it when I get home from work.

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Postby jever98 » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:36 pm

Dwight, you got a private message :smile:

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Mr Jo Macdonald
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Postby Mr Jo Macdonald » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:40 pm

Hi Jerver,
You pull or push the lever on the side towards the bar (and you obviously) and this releases the round section of the spreader hook, that spins up and releases the loop, rearming is easy. I am not impressed easily but this works. Oh, before you run out and git yoself one, Dwight mentioned that some are a bit stiff, never had any probs with mine but try a few.
Imo they're a hell of a lot safer than a shackle.
A shackle may be better for some moves, dunno deadman for example. (No pun meant, I swear)
Jo

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Postby jever98 » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:46 pm

Aaah,
so the back part is blocked in between the two arms of the lever and goes down if released?!

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Postby MissionMan » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:54 pm

I use a snap shackle welded to my spreader bar, but I am also wary of locking in on land. I would rather depower max, hold the kite, and when I get right down to the water and have the kite at the edge of the window, hook into the spreader-hook, while I attach my depower loop into the snap shackle quickly. Same affect as the prolimit bar.

I don't agree with the logic of hooking in on land. Its a bad habit, and tempting fate when it comes to lofting or even being dragged sideways. The less time on land you spend locked in the better.

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Postby Dwight » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:56 pm

On 2002-09-04 16:36, jever98 wrote:
Dwight, you got a private message :smile:
I don't understand what you mean. People can send me a private message I can access from this site? I can't see e-mail sent to my home address from work. I'm at work now. Work is slow.....very slow.

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Postby jever98 » Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:57 pm

If you are logged in, it says "you have x private messages" (top right hand corner)

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Postby kruzlifix » Wed Sep 04, 2002 7:52 pm

Hi Jo
You have some good points: Image never launch the kite on land having a permanent connection to your harness. (There comes the importance of a wide sandy beach without any obstacles into play and of course no gusty wind conditions…..)
I have also used the new prolimitâ€


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